(a chapter from my book, Facing Change)
Emotional pain is almost unbearable if God is not in it. Nearly everyone has experienced that hollow, gnawing void in their heart or gut that does not want to disappear. For some, emotional pain is noticed when triggered by some external event, for example:
- The loss of a loved one.
- Loneliness.
- Divorce or separation from spouse.
- Couples in a long-term relationship split up.
- Parents splitting up.
- A sense of isolation from community and relationships.
- Prolonged time spent in highly stressful situations.
- Hurt in a close relationship or a trusted friend, and many others.
We need to address our emotional pain. So, invite God into your situation. Though the emotional pain is almost unbearable, and we often feel like we need to run away from the pain, the contrary action is almost always necessary. We need to stop running from the pain. We need to turn around and face the pain. Take it head-on. It takes courage, but Romans 8:37 NIV says we are more than conquerors in Christ who loved us. Overwhelming victory through Christ, who loved us. [Romans 8:37 NLT] Mark 9:23 NLT says that if you believe, all things are possible to him who believes. Rule out the possibility that we want to resort to short-term remedies such as addictive or recreational drugs, alcohol, or smoking.
Running away from the pain means that we are prolonging the suffering. The pain will stay longer, and it might get infected. It might go deeper and cause some longer-term damage.
Face the pain requires open and honest acknowledgment that it exists. We are bringing the pain to the surface.
“Jesus, help me!”
“I am hurting rather badly.”
“God, can You please do something?”
“Jesus, can You please do something to help take away the pain?”
“This pain is more than I can bear.”
“Jesus, please heal my pain.”
“Jesus, can I please ask You for love, joy, peace and rest, faith and hope?”
With the enormous effort and sacrifice it will take on our part, we must determine within our hearts that we will praise God. We should come straight to this place of praise, at the feet of Jesus. This is often the last thing we want to do in a crisis. Focus on God and magnify Him. Lift up the Name of Jesus. Praise the Name of Jesus. Praise God. And keep praising God. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. [Psalm 34:3 NKJV] Praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. [Psalm 69:30 NKJV] Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. [Psalm 100:4 NKJV]
Let us bring our problems to God, above all things. In truth, we name the problem, and we give over the problem to God. Be specific. We might not be able to fully articulate the problem at first. It might take some time for us to formulate the thoughts in our hearts. Ask God to reveal what we need to know. Read the Bible and meditate on your favourite scriptures, the words of Life. Speak powerful and affirming words of Life. Claim the victory in the promises of God by speaking scriptures.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Thank You, Abba Father, Lord Jesus Christ.
Love Hurts
Love hurts
A whole lot of investment
Into someone who does not seem to care
They don’t seem to respond
I don’t know what to do
Love hurts
So many lost people
Suffering needlessly
When Jesus already paid the price
Paid the ransom, bought our freedom
Love hurts
Save Our Souls, LORD!
Call people unto Yourself
People whom You have chosen
Since before time began
Love hurts
Because we are all made of flesh
With soft hearts made to feel pain
But light shall prevail
And darkness never will
May the grace and peace of Abba Father the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Thank You, Abba Father, Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Word Sabre, scribe for Abba Father, LORD GOD, Lord Most High, Lord Jesus Christ.